Painted kitchen cabinets have been a mainstay among interior designers and homeowners for decades, and it’s clear to see why. Adding a pop of color with kitchen cabinet paint can brighten the space and make you fall in love with your home again. As an added bonus, the right paint color can improve resale value when you’re ready to move.
In this blog post, we’ll provide a deep dive into choosing the perfect paint for your kitchen, including exciting ideas for reinvigorating your space.
Why Choosing the Right Cabinet Color Matters
While paint colors may seem like a minor choice, they can have a significant impact on the overall feel of your home. The kitchen is the most important room in a house, a place where generations gather and create delicious meals. As such, taking the time to create a beautiful color palette will subtly influence every interaction in the room.
For example, a dark kitchen can start to feel claustrophobic, especially if it does not receive a lot of natural light. On the other hand, a light and airy kitchen can feel much larger than its actual size, making it an enjoyable place to cook and enjoy conversations.
Paint colors are also an excellent way to demonstrate your personality, making a house truly feel like home. Bold color choices will brighten the mood every time you step in with recipes in hand, while a soft and delicate color will put you in a great mood.
Lastly, painting kitchen cabinets will influence the home’s resale value, even if buyers logically know that they can repaint the cabinet doors or replace them when they purchase. Paint colors are one of the best ways to make a great impression on would-be buyers, which is especially important in hot markets.
Painted Cabinets vs. Stained Cabinets
Cabinet paint or staining can both be good choices, depending on your specific needs. Painting kitchen cabinets can be an affordable, durable, and attractive choice. This option works well for any cabinet material as long as you use the proper primer. Modern paints are highly durable and can last for up to a decade without needing a new coat, and it is very affordable. A new coat of paint can do wonders to freshen up this room without breaking the bank.
Staining is often used for natural wood cabinets, as it highlights the wood grain and provides a more natural touch. With a durable finish, it can last for decades with minimal maintenance. However, wood cabinets are more expensive than other options, making cost an important consideration.
Nowadays, stained cabinets are seen as an old-fashioned choice, with many modern buyers gravitating toward painted kitchen cabinets. Paint comes in every color of the rainbow, so it can be more easily personalized for a specific homeowner’s personality and design choices, while staining is more limited.
If you’re deciding between painted cabinets vs. stained finishes, we’ve created a helpful guide that explores the benefits and drawbacks of each, helping you make an informed decision about what best fits your lifestyle.
Enamel or oil-based paints are typically the best for kitchen cabinets, as they are highly durable and low-maintenance. Using a paint sprayer can ensure an even finish. Always use at least two coats to provide maximum coverage and prevent bare patches.
Understanding the Role of Kitchen Size and Layout
Both kitchen size and layout will determine which color of kitchen cabinets will best suit your space. Light or stark white cabinets will visually expand the space, helping it feel more comfortable. This is especially true with galley kitchens, as these are typically narrow and long rather than wide.
With a small kitchen, you may choose to paint the upper cabinets lighter than the lower cabinets, giving the illusion of greater height.
Larger kitchens allow for darker colors, like a dark gray or even black. This dramatic choice will visually anchor the kitchen, turning it into the centerpiece of your home. For open-concept homes, choosing the same color as the dining room and butler’s pantry will create a smoother transition between the areas.
How Natural and Artificial Lighting Affects Cabinet Colors
Your light fixtures and windows can help determine what colors will work best in your kitchen. The angle of the morning or evening sun will bring out different undertones in the paint, while the finish type determines how much the surface reflects.
In kitchens with abundant natural light, the undertone you choose depends on the room’s orientation. North-facing kitchens often receive cooler light, meaning that warm undertones will even these out and create a glowing space. If you have a south-facing kitchen, you can choose cool tones because of the warmer shades of the sun in this direction.
The coolness or warmth of the lighting source will significantly influence the paint color in an artificially lit kitchen. LED bulbs tend to be cooler, so you will want to counteract this with warm undertones. Those still using incandescent bulbs can choose cooler undertones.
Lastly, consider the finish as well. If your home gets abundant sunshine, a matte finish can keep the paint from becoming glaring at certain times of day while giving a more natural look. Gloss finishes are good for darker kitchens that need more illumination.
Popular Painted Cabinet Colors and What They Convey
Every cabinet paint color tells a story, making it crucial that you select the right one for your design dreams. These are some of the most popular paint options and the moods they reflect.
- Crisp White Cabinets for Classic and Contemporary Homes
A beautiful white is a timeless choice that works well with any kitchen type, whether you lean more toward the classic or contemporary look. Because it is more reflective, it’s great for smaller kitchens or those in darker corners of your home.
- Navy Blue Cabinets for a Bold Yet Refined Look
Sophisticated navy looks gorgeous with bright brass hardware and white countertops, making your home into a shipshape bastion of order. Whether your home is modern or transitional, navy is a supreme choice.
- Soft Greige Cabinets for Warmth and Versatility
Poised between gray and beige, a soft greige cabinet color can pair well with most flooring and countertop colors. This versatile selection adds a modern touch without being boring, serving as a great backdrop for bolder design choices.
- Sage Green Cabinets for Earthy Calm Spaces
This rustic design choice exudes calm and serenity. It’s especially striking with natural wood, such as an antique kitchen table or butcher block countertops. Sage would be perfect for a cottage kitchen, like something out of a fairy tale.
- Black Cabinets for Modern Drama and Elegance
Black is a bold choice that works well for open-floor designs or larger kitchens. Elegant and high-impact, bold can pair well with smaller, more colorful flourishes, even neons or other bright colors. For maximum contrast, consider white or off-white countertops and steel hardware.
Choosing Paint Colors Based on Cabinet Style
Your cabinet style will significantly influence how a certain paint color looks and feels in your kitchen. Inset, shaker, slab, and Euro-style cabinets will all feel different depending on what color they are painted, with these being only a few of the potential options.
Inset Cabinets: With this style, the cabinet doors are flush with the surrounding wood, giving them a polished look. They’re popular in farmhouse and rustic kitchens thanks to their subtle detailing. White or gray works well here, as it offers a sophisticated but unobtrusive touch.
Shaker Cabinets: Trendy yet traditional, shaker cabinets have a similar design to inset cabinets, but the doors are not flush with the rest of the cabinet. They look beautiful with gentle, classic colors, especially lighter shades like a pale blue or white.
Slab Cabinets: These cabinets do not have the subtle detailing of other cabinets, being completely flat on the surface. This makes them a perfect canvas for bolder design choices, such as black or a more unconventional shade like pink.
Euro-Style Cabinets: Similar to slab cabinets, these are flat on the surface and often come with stark metal hardware, giving them an edgy and modern feeling. Consider a fun, trendy color, such as a marine blue or even a dark green.
If you need more details on how to choose the right cabinet style for your kitchen, we have you covered. Review our guide to understand the aesthetic impact of each option before diving into color theory.
Finish Options: Matte, Satin, Semi-Gloss, or Gloss
Finishes play a critical role in how your cabinets look, as they determine how much light is reflected off the paint. This can make your kitchen look shiny or soft, depending on what you choose. Additionally, different finishes have unique maintenance requirements.
Matte Finishes: Matte will not reflect as much light. Rather, it will soak up the sun and appear more natural. This is a great option for very well-lit rooms, but may look dark and gloomy in rooms with lower light levels. Matte can be difficult to keep clean, making it less popular for high-traffic areas like kitchens.
Satin Finishes: Satin is one of the most popular finishes because it is very easy to clean and offers a soft look. Additionally, satin is durable and more forgiving of the odd brush stroke, which glossier finishes might highlight.
Semi-Gloss Finishes: The most popular finish behind satin, it’s easy to see why people love it. This finish has a soft sheen but is slightly more reflective than satin, making it a great option for a more dimly lit kitchen. However, it is not quite as durable and will need more frequent cleaning. Additionally, the gloss can highlight paint irregularities.
Gloss Finishes: These finishes are highly reflective, sometimes even having a metallic feel. Unfortunately, they are not as forgiving as other finish choices, as any small irregularity will make it look lumpy and uneven. It’s a great choice for a kitchen with less light, but it should be applied carefully.
How Cabinet Material Affects Paint Application
In today’s design market, buyers have numerous material choices, each of which comes with its own price point and benefits. However, many fail to consider how paint looks different depending on the material.
Medium-Density Fiberboard (MDF): This versatile material is ubiquitous in modern kitchens because it is cost-effective and easy to install. Oil-based or water-based paint will work best for this application, as it will soak into the material. MDF is more reflective than other cabinet materials, so it’s a good candidate for glossy finishes.
Hardwood: The supreme choice for cabinets, hardwood can last for decades and is resistant to scratches. However, it is not very absorptive, meaning that paint is more likely to chip. Sanding and using a great primer are crucial to getting the best finish. Latex or alkyd paint is an excellent option for hardwood. It is not very reflective, so you may choose a satin or gloss option for your finish.
Plywood: Plywood is a common cabinet material because it is affordable and durable. It will absorb light more readily than MDF or hardwood, as it is more porous, so paint often looks more matte even if you choose a shinier finish. A good sealant is crucial to keeping your plywood cabinets looking beautiful, as it may otherwise start to chip.
Painted Cabinet Ideas Based on Kitchen Style
Aesthetics are everything when it comes to choosing a good paint for your kitchen cabinets. Whether you have a bold, forward-thinking style or a softer, cozier preference, the right paint color is out there waiting for you! These are just some of the many options for your perfect finish.
- For Modern Kitchens
Modern kitchens are all about sleek finishes, high-contrast combinations, and unobtrusive hardware. Consider choosing black or white with a contrast color like marine blue, bright green, or a soft pink. Simple metal pulls will look perfect in this bold kitchen.
- For Traditional Kitchens
More traditional kitchens are all about nostalgia and comfort. Warm neutrals like off-white, soft beige, or gently tinted white will look fantastic. Classic two-tone options like blue and brown or white and blue look fantastic. Select enamel, porcelain, or stamped metal hardware to give your kitchen that timeless aesthetic.
- For Farmhouse Kitchens
Farmhouse kitchens embody a more rugged feel; think about pioneers with creamy, whitewashed cabinets and earthy wooden floors. A mixture of wood finishes and stark paint looks great and gives your home a sense of a well-ordered but economical space. You could also select a muted earth tone accented by soft, floral cabinet hardware.
- For Coastal Kitchens
Coastal kitchens are about sand, sun, and sea. Pale blue, gentle mint, or sandy browns are perfect with light wood, such as bamboo or pine. Depending on what coast you’re representing, you may go for some bold, kitschy cabinet pulls or more delicate, Zen-like hardware.
Two-Tone Cabinet Ideas for a Balanced Look
Two-tone cabinets are a great way to add balance to your kitchen. Typically, designers will choose a brighter cabinet paint for the upper cabinets and a darker one for the lower cabinets, which helps draw the eye up and adds a sense of height. Navy and white is a great option for a more sophisticated, classy look, while black and wood can add drama while still inserting a naturalistic touch.
How to Coordinate Cabinets with Countertops and Backsplash?
Coordinating painted cabinets with countertops greatly depends on the materials you use. As countertops are often the most expensive part of a kitchen, the paint should harmonize with the countertops rather than take away from them.
Visual contrast between cabinets and countertops typically comes from using different undertones based on the material. For example, a cool marble countertop will look fantastic with warmer-toned cabinets. A warmer material, like quartz, can be counterbalanced with cooler shades in the cabinets.
Consider color theory when deciding how to harmonize these. If your countertops have a yellow undertone, then select a soft blue.
Additionally, you’ll want to consider the texture of your countertop. A stark countertop can be paired with a bolder cabinet choice to add visual appeal. If you have a highly intricate marble, you will want to choose a more neutral paint, as otherwise the kitchen will become too visually overwhelming.
Trend Alert: Painted Island Cabinets for Contrast
Those who would like to take their design styles to the limit have even more opportunities to show off their unique taste. As the kitchen island is often the focal point of the kitchen, using a bold paint in this area while keeping wall cabinets neutral can help to anchor the space while also offering an exciting contrast.
Popular color choices for this design include white and dark gray, black and natural wood, white and navy, deep green and brass, or light gray and charcoal.
How to Test Paint Samples Before Deciding?
When testing paint samples, it’s important to observe your options in a variety of lighting conditions before making your selection. Add two coats of each paint choice to the cabinet doors, then assess how they look in the morning, evening, and night. You may find that the cabinets look best at a certain time of day, while at other times they appear too muted or too discordant.
Consider how the colors look when it is overcast and sunny, too. Sometimes, a cool tone will look depressing if it’s raining out, while a warm tone will look cheap or gaudy in bright sunlight. For the best results, leave your options up for a few days under different conditions before making your selection.
Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing Cabinet Paint Colors
Most people do not repaint their cabinets for years, meaning it is essential to make the right decision the first time. Avoid these common pitfalls before you commit to a color.
Picking Kitchen Cabinet Paint In-Store: Seeing a color in the controlled environment of a paint store will not give you an idea of how it will look in real-life conditions, especially when contrasted with the design choices in your kitchen. Always take a sample home and try it out yourself before deciding.
Ignoring Paint Undertones: Undertones will determine whether your home feels warm and inviting or cool and sophisticated. Ignoring them can lead to a mismatch between your other furnishings, leaving the space feeling uncoordinated.
Mismatching With Hardware and Flooring: The right hardware should enhance your cabinet color, not take away from it. Additionally, if you have traditional hardwood floors and bold color contrasts, this may look unnatural. Be sure to try out the paint with different hardware and ensure it looks good with your flooring.
Painted Cabinet Maintenance and Touch-Up Tips
To keep your cabinets looking gorgeous year after year, be sure to follow these tips:
- Use a soft cloth with a mild soap solution to clean. Avoid harsh chemicals like ammonia or bleach.
- Do not use abrasive cleaners like steel wool, as this will damage the finish.
- Never place hot appliances directly on the paint, which can lead to blistering and peeling.
- Keep a small sample of the paint for touch-ups. Make sure to remove peeling paint and lightly sand the area first for a seamless fix.
- Use the hardware to open cabinets rather than pulling on the paint.
Should You Paint Cabinets Yourself or Hire a Pro?
While DIY can be satisfying and affordable, it may also lead to streaky finishes, uneven paint distribution, and blemishes that are hard to fix. If you have high-end cabinets, always choose a professional. They can provide long-lasting and factory-like finishes that will keep your kitchen looking beautiful for years.
Buying kitchen cabinets directly from a manufacturer is also an excellent solution. This way, you receive high-quality, customized, and affordable cabinets that exactly match your style.
Working with iCabinetry’s Designers for Color Guidance
We provide personalized consultations from cabinet experts that are perfectly matched to your style. Through our 3D design renderings and tailored cabinet recommendations, we ensure that your new cabinets fit perfectly in your kitchen while highlighting your personal style.
At iCabinetry, we are committed to helping our customers feel at home in their kitchens, with premium cabinets built to last. You can feel confident in your decision thanks to our plethora of color options that will fit any home design.
Conclusion: The Right Cabinet Paint Idea for You
The right painted kitchen cabinet depends on your personal style, layout, lighting, and materials. This can be overwhelming due to the many options available, but you don’t need to decide alone: let us help!
We are one of the best direct-to-consumer (DTC) kitchen cabinet suppliers, helping consumers access the best cabinets available on the market. With a perfect balance between quality, value, and expertise, we empower homeowners to make bold choices in their kitchen design while taking the guesswork out of cabinetry.
You’ll receive personalized advice and exceptional customer service – not to mention great pricing on top-line cabinet products. Whether you have a beachy-themed kitchen or an elegant modern space, we have exactly what you’re looking for at the best value on the market.
FAQs about Choosing the Best Painted Kitchen Cabinet Ideas
White painted cabinets remain a fan favorite, as it is easy to clean and will lighten up darker spaces. Many are choosing off-whites, as they are easy to coordinate with other design elements.
In the Benjamin Moore color catalogue, White Dove is a warm white, while Pure White by Sherwin-Williams has a light yellow undertone.
Absolutely, painted kitchen cabinetry is still very popular. Designers and homeowners love painted cabinets because they are affordable, low-maintenance, and endlessly customizable.
This depends on what effect you are looking for in your kitchen. Lighter cabinets, such as stark white or off-white, paired with darker-colored walls, can add airiness and light to a room. Conversely, darker cabinets with a lighter wall color create a bold and dramatic effect.
Bright white, off-whites, and lighter colors will work better in small kitchens, especially those without a lot of natural light. They brighten up the area, add a sense of space, and offer a polished look that’s hard to beat. For the best results, choose a high-quality paint designed for high-touch surfaces.
To determine whether your kitchen cabinet paint will look good with your countertops, paint a test patch and take a few days to decide. Simply picking out a color in the paint store will not help you see the full picture.
A semi-gloss finish or satin finish is typically the best for cabinets. Smoother finishes, like high gloss finishes or pearl finishes, will highlight brush marks, while matte may be too dull and make the kitchen look dated. Be sure to select a finish that is designed for strong stain resistance and frequent cleaning.
While you can paint over stains on existing cabinets, light sanding is generally recommended. This helps the paint adhere better, smooths out imperfections, and ensures the paint job lasts longer. Be sure to clean the cabinets well and use a high-quality primer.
In general, cabinet paint will last around 8-10 years before you need to add a fresh coat. However, the longevity of your paint job depends on daily wear, maintenance, and the quality of the paint used. You may need to do minor touch-ups on a more frequent basis.
Repainting cabinets is usually cheaper than replacing them, particularly if you have full wood cabinets.
Definitely: kitchen cabinet paint can have a significant impact on home resale value. The color of the kitchen tells a certain story about the room and will influence how people feel when they step into the space. Buyers often think more emotionally about this significant purchase, meaning that their initial impression of the home will determine whether they want to buy or not.
Many sellers choose to repaint their kitchens before selling, both to provide a more polished finish and to help buyers imagine themselves in the space.